Let’s Make Caulfield Station Great

Overview

The $13 billion Metro Tunnel is set to open this year, providing faster and more direct train services between Melbourne’s south-eastern and western suburbs. It will also introduce 5 new stations in the city, expanding access to key destinations.

As a major interchange, Caulfield Station will become even more critical for passengers, who may need to transfer here to reach their destination.

However, Caulfield Station is not fully accessible, making it difficult - or even impossible - for some passengers to use. This is a significant oversight in the Metro Tunnel Project and risks worsening transport inequality.

Further, the current concourse doesn't meet current passenger needs - it’s often overcrowded and passengers must touch on and off when transferring between platforms. 

We are calling on the State Government to immediately begin planning and construction of a new concourse at Caulfield Station, ensuring this city-shaping project is truly accessible to all.

Passengers left behind

All 7 of the ramps at Caulfield Station are steeper than 1 in 14 gradient (4.1°), the worst being  around 1 in 6 (9°). Steep ramps present challenges for wheelchair users, as well as people with mobility issues. The lack of lifts, or even compliant ramps makes the station practically inaccessible for many people. This creates a transport inequality, as part of our community will miss out on equal access and the benefits from the Metro Tunnel.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 requires that all public transport infrastructure be fully accessible by 2022 - a deadline that has been missed. This is just one of many examples of where the Government has failed to meet these requirements, and without intervention, this could lead to legal challenges and further exclusion of people with disabilities.

Commuters frustrated with interchange

As passenger numbers increase with the opening of the Metro Tunnel, Caulfield will become a critical transfer point. Frankston, Pakenham and Cranbourne Line passengers will rely on Caulfield to switch trains to reach their destination. The current infrastructure is already struggling to accommodate the flow of passengers.

During peak hours or disruptions, passengers often face longer transfer times and crowded conditions, which make it harder for vulnerable individuals to navigate the station safely. This is due to the requirement to tap on and off between platforms, as well as the current concourse not being adequately sized for passenger numbers. A new concourse could enable platform transfers without tapping on and off, and alleviate pressure on the current concourse.

A new concourse compliments the old concourse at North Melbourne Station. A similar setup would be a viable option for Caulfield.

Next Stop: Access for all

We urge the State Government to commit to immediate planning and construction of accessible and adequate infrastructure at Caulfield Station, including a new concourse with lifts, and barrier-free transfers, to ensure that Caulfield Station can meet the future demands of Melbourne’s growing population and be accessible for all.

Join us in calling for an urgent upgrade by signing our petition - let’s make Caulfield Station safe, accessible, and fit for the future!